This past summer the chef traveled to the flavor house where he spent several days blending ingredients until his palate was pleased with every last note of flavor. “I knew right away I wanted something tea-based, something I would love to drink. We also wanted something from Florida as a lead flavor, hence the citrus. And lastly, I like working with the pungent, sharp heat of ginger to counterbalance any sweetness. The flavor combination came together easily; the tweaking in the lab took some time,” said Conley about the process.

The final product–Black Tea Tangerine Ginger. A signature combination that required the yin to ginger’s commanding yang. “The taste of tangerine offers an immediate, identifiable sweetness that works as a perfect foundation for the ginger kick. As in my style of cooking, it is important for flavor to be bold, bright and balanced,” he added.

This refreshing all-natural, chef inspired, sparkling beverage will be available for purchase this spring. The signature flavor will be added to the menus at Buccan and Imoto as well as available for purchase at Amici Market in Palm Beach, and will enter other markets later in the year. An exclusive launch party designated for media and select Palm Beach elite will be held March 11, 2014 at Buccan in Palm Beach. This event is by invitation only. Conley suggests an “instant vacation” with his rendition of the tropics, pouring onli™Black Tea and vodka over ice with muddled Florida tangerine and pickled ginger, served as Buccan’s featured drink for an evening of flavor.